Russia: Gift Giving
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Selecting and presenting an appropriate business gift
General Guidelines
Generally speaking, Russians take pleasure in giving and receiving gifts. Be sure to bring an assortment of gifts, so that you will always have something appropriate to give.
Cheaper gifts do not have to be wrapped, while more expensive ones should be.
Gifts for children are usually opened in private, while gifts for adults are generally opened in the presence of others. If your gift was a hit, you will hear many 'thank-yous.'
Russians spend a lot of money on gifts. Avoid giving gifts such as pencils, pens, lighters (unless they are expensive ones), cheap wine or vodka, notebooks, etc.
When invited to a Russian home, bring a gift of chocolates, dessert items, good wine, or other alcohol [try to select something other than vodka, which is widely available].
Bringing a bouquet of flowers (not too expensive though) for women you are visiting (doesn't really matter how many of them are in the family you're visiting) is a good idea. Make sure you have an odd number of flowers. Even numbers usually are for funerals.
Gifts are expected for social events, especially as “thank-yous” for private dinner parties or overnight stays in someone's home. Thank-you notes and holiday cards are not considered appropriate because they have no practical use.
If there are children in the family, it is thoughtful acknowledge them with a small gift, such as a toy or candy.
It is considered bad luck to give a pregnant woman a baby gift until after the baby is born.
Selecting Flowers
In Russia, flowers are a gift given almost exclusively for women. The only few exceptions would be male teachers, doctors and visiting celebrities.
If you are visiting a family home, it is quite customary to bring along a bouquet of flowers for a wife, sister or mother. These female relatives are likely to be present at the time of your visit.
Pink, cream-coloured, orange, and blue flowers are rarely awarded any special meaning and, thus, are quite acceptable selections.
Avoid yellow flowers [unless you picked them up yourself on a trip to the countryside]. Some white flowers should also be approached with caution.
As in many other countries, flowers are an essentially romantic gift. Red flowers, especially in rich and dark shades, will be perceived as a display of love or strong affection.
Appreciated Gifts
wine or other alcohol [try to select something other than vodka]
fine chocolates [when invited to a home]
a food item that is scarce
towels
cameras
watches
perfume, cologne [as a thank-you for an overnight stay]
clothing [as a thank-you for an overnight stay]
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